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The European transport system is entering a phase of profound transformation, underpinned by the published Directive (EU) 2025/2205 of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licenses. This landmark legislation serves as a critical tool for the implementation of the EU’s “Vision Zero” strategy, aiming to eliminate road fatalities entirely by 2050. Member States are required to transpose these regulations by November 2028, with full application commencing on November 26, 2029. This reform introduces revolutionary changes to the training and examination process, placing an unprecedented emphasis on human interaction with modern technology and the psychological aspects of driving.

A primary pillar of the new directive is the alignment of driver knowledge with the rapid development of automotive technology. Central to this are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems, which are now mandatory components of both theoretical and practical examinations. According to the new guidelines, candidates must demonstrate a thorough understanding of not only the benefits but, more importantly, the technical limitations of systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance systems, and autonomous emergency braking. The EU aims to eliminate “over-reliance” on technology, which has been a contributing factor in accidents. Future drivers must precisely understand under which atmospheric or road conditions sensors might fail, and they must master the principles of safe and immediate manual takeover of the vehicle in critical situations when automation reaches its operational limits.

The verification of a modern driver’s competence now extends far beyond static knowledge. A key element is the ability to perceive hazards early, defined in Recital 56 and Annex II of the Directive as a mandatory assessment of “attentiveness and reaction time” in dynamic scenarios. This marks a transition toward interactive Hazard Perception Tests (HPT), utilizing video simulations of “developing hazards.” Such a format allows for a realistic assessment of the ability to anticipate road events, which is essential for creating a profile of a driver fully prepared for the challenges of contemporary traffic.

Directive 2025/2205 also introduces several structural changes, including a mandatory probationary period of at least two years for novice drivers, featuring a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and psychoactive substances. A novel addition is the EU-wide accompanied driving model, allowing 17-year-olds to obtain Category B licenses. Furthermore, the legislation supports the green transition by allowing Category B license holders to operate alternative-fuel vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 4.25 tons. The reform process will culminate in full digitalization—by 2030, the digital driving license (e-driving license) within the European Digital Identity Wallet is set to become the default format across the Union.

In light of the need to implement these demanding standards into the Polish legal system, the professionalization of national examination personnel is of paramount importance. By the decision of the Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak, on January 22, 2026, prof. Marcin Ślęzak, Ph.D., D.Sc., Director of the Motor Transport Institute and Head of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Competence Centre (CK:PAP), was appointed as the Chairman of the committee for driving license theory test questions. Entrusting this role to a scientist with such an esteemed academic background aims to urgently refine the state examination database, eliminate past errors, and ensure the effective implementation of modern methodologies for assessing hazard perception and ADAS knowledge.